If you don’t own your own website, have you been thinking about what you’d do with your business on social media since the talk of TikTok being banned? What if it wasn’t just TikTok, maybe Instagram or another social media platform suddenly disappeared? Or if your account got banned for no clear reason?
Unfortunately, this isn’t just a “what if” scenario. TikTok may have only been banned for a whopping 12 hours, but businesses that rely solely on social media often find themselves in a tough spot when things change overnight. That’s why you should own your own website, as it can be the best move going forward. Here’s why having a website can make all the difference.
1. You’re in Control
Think of your website as home ownership. You’re not just renting an apartment like you do with having a social media account: you’ll actually own your “home” outright. Social platforms can change their rules, mess with algorithms, or possibly just shut down, and then you lose a revenue stream. But when you have a website, you decide what goes on it, how it looks, and what’s featured.
With your own website, you don’t have to worry about losing years of hard work because of someone else’s decision.
2. Understand Your Audience Better
One of the best things about having your own website is being able to track who’s visiting and what they’re doing while they’re there. Tools like Google Analytics let you see:
- Where your visitors are coming from
- What pages they’re spending the most time on
- How they’re finding you
- What devices they’re using
This information can help you make better decisions about your content and marketing. For example, if you notice a lot of people are looking at a particular product or service, you can create more content around it or offer a special promotion. Social media gives you some insights, but a website gives you a much clearer picture.
3. Build Trust and Credibility
Let’s say you’re looking for a local photographer. You find two options: one has a professional-looking website with examples of their work, and the other just has a Facebook page. Who would you trust more?
A website shows people you’re serious about what you do. It’s a place to:
- Show off your work or products
- Share testimonials from happy clients
- Make it easy for people to contact you
- Use a branded email address (like taylor.stanley@taystan.dev) that looks much more professional than a generic Gmail address
When your business looks polished, people are more likely to trust you and want to work with you.
4. Be Easier to Find Online
Ever heard of SEO? It stands for search engine optimization, and it’s all about helping people find you when they’re searching on Google. With the right keywords and some strategic tweaks, your website can show up when people search for what you offer.
For example, if you’re a baker in Orlando, having an optimized website could make you the top result for “Orlando custom cakes.” Social media is great for visibility, but it’s not as helpful when someone is actively searching for a solution. Your website fills that gap and connects you with people who need what you’re offering.
When you own your own website, you can update your content whenever you’d like. It should be easy-to-manage, just like posting a newly baked cake picture on Instagram. Do it once, and have it displayed in both cases. You can connect your Instagram feed to your website so visitors can view your work from both places.
5. Your Website Works Around the Clock
It’s working for you 24/7, even when you’re not. Your site can already answer questions, book appointments, or make sales. It can keep things running while you focus on other things.
For example, if you’re a hairstylist, your website can let clients see your availability, your pricing, or what braiding hair to bring without having to call or text you. It’s like another team member that’s always on the clock.
Social Media + Website = The Dream Team
To be clear, social media isn’t the enemy. It’s a great way to connect with people and drive traffic to your website. Think of social media as the introduction and your website as the main event. Together, they create a strong online presence.
By linking your social media to your website, you can:
- Collect email addresses for newsletters
- Share more detailed content, like blog posts
- Offer exclusive deals or resources
Your website becomes the hub for everything, while social media helps you reach a wider audience.
Ready to Bring Your Website to Life?
Owning a website is still a very viable option in today’s digital world. It gives you control, builds your credibility, and works for you 24/7. If you’re a small business owner, freelancer, or just someone with a passion project, having a website puts you in front of many more eyes.
Book a free 30-minute consultation and let’s create a website that works for you.
Not looking to book a call just yet? Feel free to send me a message through my contact form below.